US5291247A - Image forming apparatus having a corona ventilating means - Google Patents
Image forming apparatus having a corona ventilating means Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US5291247A US5291247A US07/939,338 US93933892A US5291247A US 5291247 A US5291247 A US 5291247A US 93933892 A US93933892 A US 93933892A US 5291247 A US5291247 A US 5291247A
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- channel
- storage medium
- thermal storage
- air
- forming apparatus
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/02—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for laying down a uniform charge, e.g. for sensitising; Corona discharge devices
- G03G15/0258—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for laying down a uniform charge, e.g. for sensitising; Corona discharge devices provided with means for the maintenance of the charging apparatus, e.g. cleaning devices, ozone removing devices G03G15/0225, G03G15/0291 takes precedence
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/02—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for laying down a uniform charge, e.g. for sensitising; Corona discharge devices
- G03G15/0291—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for laying down a uniform charge, e.g. for sensitising; Corona discharge devices corona discharge devices, e.g. wires, pointed electrodes, means for cleaning the corona discharge device
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G2221/00—Processes not provided for by group G03G2215/00, e.g. cleaning or residual charge elimination
- G03G2221/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts
- G03G2221/1645—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts for conducting air through the machine, e.g. cooling
Definitions
- This invention relates to an image forming apparatus of the type including a source of corona.
- an image forming apparatus of the type including a source of corona.
- it includes but is not limited to electrostatic image forming apparatus in which electrostatic images are formed, transferred or otherwise treated with corona.
- Electrophotographic image forming apparatus commonly use one or more sources of corona.
- a primary charger can be used to create a uniform electrostatic charge on an image member which can later be dissipated by light to form an electrostatic image.
- Corona chargers are also used to transfer toner images and to clean an image member as well as to control charges on receiving sheets in such apparatus.
- Typical corona chargers include one or more charging wires partially surrounded by a metallic shield.
- the use of a high voltage corona has a tendency to create substantial ozone in the vicinity of the charging wire, which ozone can react with materials associated with the shield and the wire to cause damage to the charger and possible damage to an image member or other portions of the equipment in the vicinity.
- ventilate the chargers to remove the ozone and other impurities using blowers and fans. Since the ozone has a tendency to accumulate even after the apparatus is shut off, the fans are commonly left blowing for a period of time after the apparatus is turned off.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,720,727 shows a fan used to circulate heat from a fuser around a charger.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,260,235 shows a particular air channeling structure in which air associated with a rotating drum is moved across a charger to remove ozone.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,087,939 is typical of a number of patents which show the use of an image member cartridge for providing and replacing an image member such as a photoconductive drum in a desktop imaging apparatus.
- Such structures generally include at least a photoconductive drum or other similar image member, a charger and a cleaning device. Positioning the charger within an image member cartridge creates its own special difficulties in providing proper ventilation for the charger.
- an image forming apparatus which includes means defining an air channel from an opening to the corona generating source to an exit location.
- the channel is shaped to define a path for air from the opening to the exit, which path has a portion that has a generally upward direction.
- a heating means is positioned to heat air in the portion of the channel having the upward direction to cause movement of air from the opening to the exit to ventilate the corona source.
- the heating means includes a thermal storage medium having high specific heat. It also includes means for heating the thermal storage medium.
- the high specific heat of the thermal storage medium causes that medium to retain its heat for a substantial time after the heating means has been turned off, thereby providing ventilation after power may have been cut off to the image forming apparatus. With the proper choice of thermal storage medium and geometric design, ventilation can be provided for an hour or longer after the apparatus has been turned off.
- the charger is included in an image member cartridge and includes a cartridge channel which is positioned upon receipt by the image forming apparatus to mate with a receiving apparatus channel which includes the thermal storage medium.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic of an image forming apparatus in which the invention is usable.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic front section of a portion of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 with portions cut away for clarity of illustration.
- FIG. 4 is a front section of a charger portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2.
- FIG. 5 is a left section of a portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4.
- FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate alternative embodiments of openings to a charger portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic top section illustrating an alternative shape for a cartridge air channel portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2.
- this invention is particularly usable in desktop image forming apparatus in which an image member is receivable in a cartridge, which cartridge also includes a corona generating source as its primary charger, it can be used in any image forming apparatus in which a corona generating source is used. It is illustrated in the FIGS. with respect to the corona generating source used as the primary charger in an image forming apparatus. However, other chargers are used in such apparatus and also benefit from proper ventilation and, thus, can use the invention.
- an image forming apparatus 1 includes an image member, for example, a photoconductive drum 2 which is rotated by means, not shown, to bring its periphery past a series of stations to create multicolor toner images. More specifically, photoconductive drum 2 is rotated past a primary charger 4 which uniformly charges the surface of drum 2. The uniformly charged surface is imagewise exposed by a laser 5 to create a series of electrostatic images thereon. The electrostatic images are toned by application of toner by one of four toning stations contained in a development module 6. Each of the electrostatic images is toned with a toner of a different color utilizing a different one of the toning stations in module 6, to create a series of different color toner images.
- an image member for example, a photoconductive drum 2 which is rotated by means, not shown, to bring its periphery past a series of stations to create multicolor toner images. More specifically, photoconductive drum 2 is rotated past a primary charger 4 which uniformly charges the surface of drum 2. The uniformly charged surface is imagewise exposed
- the toner images are transferred in registration to the surface of a transfer drum 10, creating a multicolor image thereon.
- the multicolor image is transferred to a receiving sheet fed from a receiving sheet supply 45 to a transfer station 21 which includes a transfer corona generating source.
- the receiving sheet with the multicolor image transferred to it is then fed to a fuser 23 where the multicolor image is fixed to the sheet, from where it is then transported to an output hopper 44.
- the photoconductive drum 2 is cleaned by a blade cleaning device 12.
- the transfer drum 10 is also cleaned by an articulatable cleaning device 30.
- image member 2 is mounted in image forming apparatus 1 in a cartridge 3 shown schematically in FIG. 2.
- cartridge 3 includes an opening 15 through which laser 5 exposes drum 2 and an opening 16 through which electrostatic images are developed and an opening 17 through which they are transferred. It also includes the corona generating device or charger 4 and cleaning blade 12, which cleaning blade separates residual toner from drum 2 and deposits it in a suitable chamber.
- Cartridge 3 is mounted in the apparatus by an operator utilizing extensions 57 on a shaft 56 for drum 2 which fit in a guide 55 in the receiving apparatus.
- charger 4 includes a corona generating source, for example, a corona wire 25 mounted within a metallic shield 72 which partially encloses wire 25.
- the metallic shield includes an opening 74 which can be a series of holes or a single long hole, as shown and described later with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7. Opening or openings 74 open into a cartridge air channel 73 generally surrounding the side of shield 72 opposite corona wire 25 and bounded by a portion of the housing of cartridge 3.
- Cartridge air channel 73 includes a cartridge channel exit 76 through which air can move from opening 74.
- opening 76 mates with a complimentary opening to a receiving apparatus air channel 32, best seen in FIG. 5.
- Receiving apparatus air channel 32 is defined by polished aluminum walls 92 that define a path for air from charger 4, which path has a substantial vertical portion 94 to an exit 96 (see FIG. 4).
- a heating means is located in the vertical portion 94 of channel 32.
- a polished aluminum sphere 32 containing a thermal storage medium 85 for example, containing glycerine or water or some other material with a high specific heat, is mounted within vertical portion 94 of channel 32.
- a resistance heater 80 is positioned within the thermal storage medium 85 and is connected through conduction breakers 86 to a suitable source of electrical power, which connection also includes sufficient structural strength to support sphere 31 containing storage medium 85.
- the thermal storage medium can be a high specific heat wax in a spherical shape, both to fit the receiving apparatus air channel 32 and to be slow in losing heat after resistance heater 80 is turned off.
- resistance heater 80 is activated to heat thermal storage medium 85. Heat from storage medium 85 heats air in channel 32 which rises to exit 96 followed by air entering cartridge air channel 73 through opening 74 which ventilates the area around wire 25 and shield 72. Air entering cartridge channel 73 through opening 74 may originate from air entering the cartridge through the development, transfer or laser openings 15, 16 or 17. If the cartridge is particularly tight to drum 2, it may be desirable to place an additional air intake 37 in the sidewall of the cartridge, as seen in FIG. 3.
- FIG. 8 is a top view of another feature of cartridge air channel 73 and shield openings 74 that can be advantageously used.
- the channel 73 is larger itself at an end remote from opening 76. This is cooperative with larger openings 74 at that remote end to even air flow through the openings (as in FIG. 6).
- Polished aluminum air channel walls 92 can be formed by independent aluminum tubing separately mounted in the apparatus or can be formed as part of the housing of the apparatus itself and connected to a receiving apparatus wall 92. Polished aluminum is preferred for the interior walls to prevent the escape of radiant energy from channel 32.
- Thermal storage medium 85 is picked to have a high specific heat so that after power has been terminated to the apparatus, including resistance heater 80, the storage medium will maintain its temperature. This facilitates the ventilation of the charger by convection for a substantial period of time after the apparatus has been turned off.
- the spherical shape of sphere 31 reduces conduction heat loss during this time to extend the ventilation time.
- the heat capacity of sphere 31 can be made so that substantial ventilation will continue to take place well after an hour after shutdown of the machine, thereby continuing to ventilate the charger even though the machine is not in operation. This provides a substantial advantage over either the use of fans or other structures such as rotation of the drum or other elements dependent upon connection of electrical power to the image forming apparatus 1.
Abstract
Description
Claims (7)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US07/939,338 US5291247A (en) | 1992-09-02 | 1992-09-02 | Image forming apparatus having a corona ventilating means |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US07/939,338 US5291247A (en) | 1992-09-02 | 1992-09-02 | Image forming apparatus having a corona ventilating means |
Publications (1)
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US5291247A true US5291247A (en) | 1994-03-01 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
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US07/939,338 Expired - Fee Related US5291247A (en) | 1992-09-02 | 1992-09-02 | Image forming apparatus having a corona ventilating means |
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Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5457521A (en) * | 1993-04-16 | 1995-10-10 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming apparatus with isolated silicone gas |
US5576809A (en) * | 1994-07-26 | 1996-11-19 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Charge screening member for a corona discharge device of an image forming apparatus |
US5634176A (en) * | 1995-10-26 | 1997-05-27 | Xerox Corporation | Apparatus for distributing air flow in a printing machine |
US6411788B1 (en) * | 2000-11-28 | 2002-06-25 | Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming apparatus with air flow regulator |
EP1367454A1 (en) * | 2002-05-27 | 2003-12-03 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Image forming apparatus using a corona charger with conductive shield and ventilation duct |
US20040175201A1 (en) * | 2002-10-18 | 2004-09-09 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Image forming apparatus |
US20070025771A1 (en) * | 2005-07-29 | 2007-02-01 | Xerox Corporation | Shield for charging device in xerographic printing device having reduced rate of contamination |
US20110222897A1 (en) * | 2010-03-09 | 2011-09-15 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming apparatus |
US20140294426A1 (en) * | 2013-03-29 | 2014-10-02 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming device having intake duct |
US9304489B2 (en) * | 2014-07-07 | 2016-04-05 | Ricoh Company, Limited | Image forming apparatus |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
SU461406A1 (en) * | 1973-03-26 | 1975-02-25 | Научно-Исследовательский Институт Электрографии | Electrographic device |
DE2553692A1 (en) * | 1974-11-30 | 1976-08-12 | Minolta Camera Kk | ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC COPY SYSTEM |
US4620235A (en) * | 1983-07-06 | 1986-10-28 | Eastman Kodak Company | Disc film scanning apparatus |
US4720727A (en) * | 1985-03-04 | 1988-01-19 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming apparatus |
US4809027A (en) * | 1986-07-29 | 1989-02-28 | Markem Corporation | Offset electrostatic printing utilizing a heated air flow |
US5087939A (en) * | 1991-02-04 | 1992-02-11 | Eastman Kodak Company | Image forming apparatus and image member cartridge |
US5170211A (en) * | 1990-12-14 | 1992-12-08 | Xerox Corporation | Air filtration for xerographic corona devices |
US5624685A (en) * | 1991-10-16 | 1997-04-29 | Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha | High polymer gel and vascular lesion embolizing material comprising the same |
-
1992
- 1992-09-02 US US07/939,338 patent/US5291247A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
SU461406A1 (en) * | 1973-03-26 | 1975-02-25 | Научно-Исследовательский Институт Электрографии | Electrographic device |
DE2553692A1 (en) * | 1974-11-30 | 1976-08-12 | Minolta Camera Kk | ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC COPY SYSTEM |
US4620235A (en) * | 1983-07-06 | 1986-10-28 | Eastman Kodak Company | Disc film scanning apparatus |
US4720727A (en) * | 1985-03-04 | 1988-01-19 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming apparatus |
US4809027A (en) * | 1986-07-29 | 1989-02-28 | Markem Corporation | Offset electrostatic printing utilizing a heated air flow |
US5170211A (en) * | 1990-12-14 | 1992-12-08 | Xerox Corporation | Air filtration for xerographic corona devices |
US5087939A (en) * | 1991-02-04 | 1992-02-11 | Eastman Kodak Company | Image forming apparatus and image member cartridge |
US5624685A (en) * | 1991-10-16 | 1997-04-29 | Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha | High polymer gel and vascular lesion embolizing material comprising the same |
Cited By (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5457521A (en) * | 1993-04-16 | 1995-10-10 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming apparatus with isolated silicone gas |
US5576809A (en) * | 1994-07-26 | 1996-11-19 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Charge screening member for a corona discharge device of an image forming apparatus |
US5634176A (en) * | 1995-10-26 | 1997-05-27 | Xerox Corporation | Apparatus for distributing air flow in a printing machine |
US6411788B1 (en) * | 2000-11-28 | 2002-06-25 | Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming apparatus with air flow regulator |
US6944413B2 (en) | 2002-05-27 | 2005-09-13 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Image forming apparatus for preventing the adhesion of discharge products in a charger thereby preventing image defects |
US20050074254A1 (en) * | 2002-05-27 | 2005-04-07 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Image forming apparatus |
EP1367454A1 (en) * | 2002-05-27 | 2003-12-03 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Image forming apparatus using a corona charger with conductive shield and ventilation duct |
US20040175201A1 (en) * | 2002-10-18 | 2004-09-09 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Image forming apparatus |
US6917773B2 (en) * | 2002-10-18 | 2005-07-12 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Image forming apparatus |
US20070025771A1 (en) * | 2005-07-29 | 2007-02-01 | Xerox Corporation | Shield for charging device in xerographic printing device having reduced rate of contamination |
US7251439B2 (en) * | 2005-07-29 | 2007-07-31 | Xerox Corporation | Shield for charging device in xerographic printing device having reduced rate of contamination |
US20110222897A1 (en) * | 2010-03-09 | 2011-09-15 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming apparatus |
US8824915B2 (en) * | 2010-03-09 | 2014-09-02 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming apparatus with fan control |
US20140294426A1 (en) * | 2013-03-29 | 2014-10-02 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming device having intake duct |
JP2014194488A (en) * | 2013-03-29 | 2014-10-09 | Brother Ind Ltd | Image forming apparatus |
US9310763B2 (en) * | 2013-03-29 | 2016-04-12 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming device having intake duct |
US9304489B2 (en) * | 2014-07-07 | 2016-04-05 | Ricoh Company, Limited | Image forming apparatus |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY A NJ CORP., NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:DECECCA, MICHAEL L.;REEL/FRAME:006249/0211 Effective date: 19920825 |
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